Shiurim in this topic
Shimon Shokin is addressed in the correspondence of the Lubavitcher Rebbe, Rabbi Menachem Mendel Schneerson, as an individual actively involved in strengthening Jewish observance and communal life. The Rebbe’s letter to him reflects appreciation for his efforts in promoting proper Jewish practice, particularly in the area of netilas yadayim (ritual handwashing).
The Rebbe’s letter to Shimon Shokin is warm and encouraging, expressing pleasure upon hearing of Shokin’s success in ensuring that the mitzvah of netilas yadayim was being performed correctly. The Rebbe highlights the principle taught by his revered father-in-law, the previous Rebbe, that “there is a strong presumption for activism not to return empty-handed”—emphasizing that when a Jew sincerely desires to accomplish something for Judaism, the Eibershter (G-d) assists in fulfilling that desire.
The Rebbe further encourages Shokin to continue utilizing every opportunity to act for the sake of Yiddishkeit (Jewish life and observance). He assures Shokin that helping others in their observance becomes a vessel for receiving blessing and success in one’s own affairs, as the L-rd “never remains indebted and repays many times over with all that is needed.” The tone of the letter is both personal and motivational, with the Rebbe expressing interest in receiving further good news from Shokin, both materially and spiritually, and extending blessings for a good inscription and sealing for him and his household.